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TESTIMONY OF AGA INITIATIVE

By: Seedy Trawally – AGA Gambia Office

Altogether Giving Africa (AGA) is a charitable organisation led by a dedicated team of volunteers. With our main office based in the United Kingdom and a local branch in The Gambia, AGA has been actively working to uplift communities and transform lives since operations began.

Originally formed as tour leaders, we welcomed guests to The Gambia and accommodated them in local hotels. As part of our early efforts, hotel staff, beach fruit sellers, and surrounding communities benefited from donations of household items, toys for children, and learning materials.

From the outset, AGA initiatives have focused on empowering young people with the courage and opportunities to work and earn a living. One remarkable transformation was the reformation of beach hustlers into official tourist guides, providing them with a sustainable source of income. With organising and support from AGA, many lives were redirected from dangerous migration attempts, especially youths who had previously risked their lives sailing toward Europe on fishing boats. Tragically, many of these journeys ended in fatal accidents. AGA’s outreach across the strip and into local communities helped steer young people toward safer and more promising futures.

1. HEALTH
AGA regularly donates medical supplies to clinics and hospitals, including items such as wheelchairs, surgical gloves, and general medical equipment. We also organise Health Awareness Days, such as those held at Old Jeswang Medical Centre, where we provide free medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment to the community.

2. EDUCATION
We support many schools and educational institutions with essential resources, desks, chairs, whiteboards, toys, computers, and more. AGA has proudly partnered with numerous schools across the region. Bajen’s Memorial Nursery School, for example, serves a vital role by offering early childhood education in a community with limited options. Our continued support ensures children receive the learning materials they need.

3. COMMUNITY DONATIONS
AGA provides usable items to families in need, including beds, mattresses, kitchen appliances, furniture, shoes, clothing, TVs, and more. We respond swiftly to crises such as fire outbreaks and other disasters, ensuring that affected families receive timely assistance.

4. FEEDING & NUTRITION
In response to the pandemic, AGA began distributing food barrels to vulnerable communities. Mothers especially benefit, as improved nutrition contributes to healthier breastfeeding and overall child development.

CHALLENGES & CALL FOR SUPPORT

As a self-funded, non-profit organisation, AGA relies heavily on the contributions of volunteers, supporters, and the local UK community to cover essential costs such as storage facilities and shipment of donations. However, limited funding hampers the pace and reach of our work, delaying urgent aid delivery.

We remain hopeful that with the support of governments and funding institutions, we can significantly improve the living standards of disadvantaged families and continue to make a lasting impact.